Audit flags massive defaults on solar contracts linked to Leviste's Solar Philippines

The Commission on Audit highlighted that the cancellation of 37 Solar Energy Operating Contracts has left the government with tens of billions of pesos in uncollected obligations. Firms under the Solar Philippines umbrella, created by Representative Leandro Leviste, account for the vast majority of this debt, dwarfing the Solar Energy Management Division's annual budget. The Department of Energy has escalated the matter to the Office of the Solicitor General to pursue legal action and is also demanding additional claims related to earlier contract terminations.

Meanwhile, the Ombudsman is investigating Leviste and Senator Loren Legarda for alleged plunder and graft tied to the failed renewable-energy projects. The DOE says it will reopen blocked sites for new developers and is drafting a blacklist policy for defaulting renewable-energy firms.